“We have no intention to trade Marc…” But Wallace wouldn’t stop there. “We never seriously considered that at all. We never placed any calls to any teams in that regard. So that’s not happening… It’s not just Marc that this whole equation is about. It’s also Mike Conley, when he comes back. We’ve got two guys among the elite in the league at their respective positions that are still very much in their window with an awful lot of tread left on their tires.”

It’s an admirable, albeit arguably irresponsible position to take. But fans of the Grizzlies will embrace the team wholeheartedly. It’s what they do. But even with Conley and Gasol, it’s going to be tough sledding. Memphis is already only 7-13 on the season. They were 85-79 over the past two seasons before limping out of the playoffs in the first round.